Lou’s In the Sky with Diamonds

Roll Over Beethoven
It really doesn’t matter what sort of music you listen to. From classical to whatever-the-heck the latest sound is, Louisville gets to be center stage to just about all of it.

Day Tripper
Abbey Road on the River | May 27–31
This holiday weekend over 30,000 music fans will be descending on the Belvedere to pay homage to the Beatles in the biggest event of its kind in America. With an average of over 60 bands annually, the festival features different types of bands . . . from acts that look, sound, and behave like the Beatles to others that just play the music of Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison without trying to reproduce the sound. Click here for more information.

Do You Want to Know a Secret?
Show up on Monday, tell ‘em you’re a Friend of Lou, and you can go to the festival for free. For nothing. Gratis. Want to stay longer? The Galt House is offering a special $99 rate. Same deal — just tell them who sent you.

Money (That’s What I Want)
University of Louisville Guitar Festival and Competition | May 28–31
The University of Louisville School of Music inaugural Guitar Festival and Competition assembles an international roster of top-rate guitarists, including Jason Vieaux, the Tantalus Quartet, William Yelverton, Dieter Hennings, David Walker, and others. The festival also features a competition . . . presumably for the highly strung . . . that comes with a fat $1,000 first-place award and concert. Click here for more information.

Got To Get You Into My Life
Forecastle Festival | Friday July 9–11
If you prefer your rock to look forward than backward, Forecastle’s for you. Founded right here in Possibility City, the event is equal parts music, art, and activism. Connecting the progressive Midwest, Forecastle has grown from 700 people in 2002 in Tyler Park to over 12,000 people at the Belvedere. Spin magazine named it one of the top “101 Things to Do in America.” The festival’s growing so much that its moving to Waterfront Park this year. Click here for more information.

P.S. I Love You
You know us — the very souls of philanthropy. EMAIL US the best concert or band you ever saw perform in Louisville, and the story that impresses us the most will get two tickets to Forecastle — plus we’ll share it in our next email, ensuring you not only of great wealth but immediate fame.

I Want to Tell You
HullabaLOU | July 23–25
Since we’re on the topic of music and festivals, let’s not forget the newest addition to Louisville’s music lineup — HullabaLOU. Sure, it has a cool name, but it also has three days of music, five stages set in one of America’s most legendary venues (Churchill Downs), and more than 65 artists ranging from Al Green to the Zac Brown Band. Click here for more information.